AA Step 2: Trust in Christ (or a Higher Being)

Step Two of the 12-Steps in Alcoholics Anonymous focuses on opening the mind to the possibility of help beyond one’s own willpower and trusting in a higher power, such as Christ. 

After admitting powerlessness in Step One, this step invites a person to consider something greater than themselves, however they choose to define it. This can help restore balance and clarity and give people a greater sense of purpose. 

It’s less about adopting a specific belief and more about letting go of the idea that isolation and self-reliance alone are enough. Step Two encourages hope, humility, and trust, suggesting that recovery can begin when we allow support, guidance, and connection into our lives.

What Does Step 2 of AA Involve? 

Step 2 helps individuals in recovery move from isolation to hope. Step 2 invites us to consider a life-changing possibility: that we don’t have to fix ourselves alone. This step asks us to become open to the idea that a Power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity and stability.

This step is not about having perfect faith or all the answers. It’s about willingness. Even a small openness, “maybe there is help beyond me”, is enough to begin. 

Admitting We Need a Power Greater Than Ourselves

Addiction often convinces us that we must stay in control at all costs, even when that control is an illusion. Step 2 asks individuals to acknowledge that their own strength, willpower, and understanding have not been enough.

Recognizing the need for a power greater than ourselves is an act of humility. It means acknowledging our limits and accepting that healing requires help beyond human effort alone. For many, the feeling of no longer carrying a burden alone is a relief and greatly contributes to the recovery journey. 

Learning to Trust Christ (or a Higher Power)

Learning to rebuild trust is a process for individuals who have struggled with addiction and trauma, and it doesn’t happen overnight, but rather grows through experience. For those who choose Christ as their Higher Power, Step 2 becomes an invitation to believe that Jesus not only has the power to heal but also the desire to do so. 

Scripture reminds us that Christ meets us in our weakness and darkest moments. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9,

Learning to trust Christ means letting go of self-sufficiency and beginning a relationship with surrender and hope. It may start with simple prayers, honest doubts, or a willingness to believe that God is good even when life has not been. 

How Faith Restores Hope and Supports Recovery

Faith, whether expressed through spirituality, belief in a higher power such as Christ, or trust in a recovery process beyond oneself, provides a framework for meaning when addiction has impacted confidence and purpose. 

Research in addiction psychology consistently shows that spiritual or faith-based engagement is associated with improved recovery outcomes. Faith supports recovery by increasing hope, self-regulation, and the ability to cope. This helps individuals tolerate uncertainty, reframe setbacks, and remain engaged in long-term recovery [1].

Studies also show that individuals who report spiritual or religious involvement during recovery have higher abstinence rates, reduced symptoms of depression, and increased resilience [1]. 

5 Bible Verses That Support Step 2 of AA 

• Proverbs 3:5–6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”

• Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

• Corinthians 12:9

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

• Psalm 40:1–2

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit… and set my feet on a rock.”

• Isaiah 41:10

“Do not fear, for I am with you… I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Christian Rehab for Men: Rise Stronger in Addiction Recovery 

AnchorPoint is a Christian rehab rooted in neuroscience and guided by the Neurofaith™ model, integrating faith and evidence-based therapies to treat trauma and addiction. We offer several levels of care to guide patients through their recovery journey from start to finish. 

Although treatment plans are personalized to the needs of each individual, AnchorPoint follows a unified therapeutic framework—much like the AA model—that emphasizes surrender, accountability, and connection to a higher purpose. 

By helping men move beyond self-reliance and isolation, we guide them toward healing that integrates brain science with faith, restoring meaning, identity, and hope beyond addiction.

We work with a variety of insurance plans and are committed to reducing financial barriers to care. Our admissions team can help verify your benefits and quickly connect you to life-saving treatment.

Sources 

[1] Grim, M. E. (2019). Belief, Behavior, and Belonging: How Faith is Indispensable in Preventing and Recovering from Substance Abuse. Journal of religion and health, 58(5), 1713–1750.